Who is in charge during DSCA missions?

• A. Civil authorities are in charge, military forces support them
• B. Military forces are in charge, civilian agencies support them
• C. There is a joint control with equal authority
• D. Federal forces independently decide operations

Answer: (A)

The main idea is civilian control in domestic emergencies. In DSCA missions, civilian authorities are in charge and military forces provide support as directed by those civilian leaders. This structure allows civilian agencies to lead the response with the expertise and resources of the military, but without the military independently directing operations. The military’s role is to enable and execute the civilian plan, not to set priorities or run the response on its own. That’s why civil authorities lead the effort while the military serves in a supporting capacity.